Leslie “Joe” Wright, 79, of Cygnet, passed away peacefully January 20, 2025, at the Bridge Hospice Care Center in Bowling Green. He was born on November 29, 1945, in Findlay to the late George and Florence (Oxenrider) Wright. He married Linda Ledyard on May 25, 1973, and she survives.
After graduating from Elmwood High School in 1964, he worked several jobs before working for Buckeye Pipeline retiring after 37 years. After his retirement he worked for AZOR then became the groundskeeper at Elmwood for over 20 years where he earned the name “Lawnmower Joe”.
He was an Ohio State, Detroit Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, and NASCAR fan. He supported high school sports and enjoyed watching his children play sports, cheerleading or playing in the band. Joe was a baseball/fast pitch softball catcher from Little League and into his adult years. He coached Sr. Babe baseball for Cygnet Little League several years.
Trips to Key West, FL to visit his brother was a highlight every year along with trips to Wisconsin to see his son and granddaughter. He was able to visit Ireland twice while his daughter resided there. Joe was famous for what his children fondly called “Joe-isms” as they were of the cuff sayings that made everyone laugh.
Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Linda; daughter, Nikki; sons: Dana and Derek (Austie); his sweetheart granddaughter, Emma and “extra grandchildren”: Dennis Bye and Georgia Smith; along with many nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Evelyn, Barb, Carolyn, and Eileen; brothers: Gene, Jerry and Ralph.
The family would like to thank the Cygnet Fire Department and Eagleville EMS for their quick and compassionate care, the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center and Wood County Hospital for the excellent care given to Joe and his family. A very special thank you to the entire team at the Bridge Hospice Care Center, for their gentle and caring support they gave Joe and his family.
Per Joe’s wishes there will be a celebration of life at a later date.
Arrangements are being handled by SMITH-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, North Baltimore.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Bridge Home Health and Hospice, 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay, OH 45840; and/or Wood County Dog Shelter, 1912 E. Gypsy Lane Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402; and/or Elmwood Youth League, 4515 Rosendale Road, Bloomdale, OH 44817.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.smithcrates.com.
